Ms. England, an agriculture teacher, is bringing back class bunnies this school year.

England chose to have a class pet because she feels a class pet can change the atmosphere of a classroom.

In Animal Science, students learn about small animals and how to care for them, specifically rabbits, so they were a great choice for the classroom.

England talked to Mrs. Goss and Mrs. Wiseman about keeping the rabbits in her room, and they fully supported the idea as a way to support her teaching and get kids excited about the curriculum.

England believes the bunnies will ease anxiety, teach kids responsibility, and build basic empathy. It’s optional for the students to interact with them, but most enjoy it, even teachers.

“She does let them run around, and we can hold them while doing work,” Madeline Allen, a junior, said.

The bunnies were from a friend of hers who shows rabbits. Her friend was able to connect her with some breeders to find two young rabbits that were a bonded pair.

The bunnies, Totoro and Gunner, are Holland Lops. They stay small and are less than six pounds. They have a gentle temperament and are easily trained.